Process Controls Engineer

Process Controls EngineerPosition OverviewWe are seeking a hands-on Process Controls Engineer to support automation, instrumentation, and control systems within a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for maintaining and optimizing production equipment, supporting day-to-day operations, and participating in the design, implementation, and commissioning of new automation systems and process improvements.The ideal candidate will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and R&D teams to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and overall process performance through effective automation and data-driven decision making.Key ResponsibilitiesMaintain, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems supporting manufacturing operations.Develop, test, and document PLC programs, control logic, and operator interfaces for both new and existing equipment.Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and controls-related issues to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.Partner with maintenance and operations teams to implement repairs, upgrades, and process improvements with minimal impact to production.Create, update, and maintain technical documentation including P&IDs, control narratives, electrical schematics, logic diagrams, network drawings, and equipment documentation.Integrate production equipment into facility networks to support remote monitoring, automation, data collection, and process control.Manage control system backups, software updates, version control, and change management activities.Develop and maintain interfaces that collect operational data from production equipment into databases, historians, and reporting systems.Analyze operational and process data to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, improved yields, greater throughput, and enhanced process stability.Support commissioning, startup, validation, and optimization of new equipment, automation systems, and process modifications.Train operators and maintenance personnel on automation systems, troubleshooting procedures, and best practices.Collaborate with third-party contractors, control system integrators, and equipment vendors on automation-related projects.Evaluate and recommend emerging automation technologies that improve manufacturing performance.Participate in root cause investigations, safety initiatives, and continuous improvement activities.Assist in developing and maintaining automation standards, operating procedures, and best practices.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.Experience supporting manufacturing equipment, automation systems, process controls, or industrial instrumentation in a production environment.Working knowledge of:PLC programming and troubleshootingHMI and SCADA systemsIndustrial instrumentation and process controlsElectrical control systems and industrial networkingAbility to read and interpret:P&IDsElectrical schematicsControl narrativesLogic diagramsNetwork drawingsStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in industrial environments.Excellent communication and teamwork skills with the ability to partner effectively across multiple functions.Preferred QualificationsExperience in process manufacturing industries such as biotechnology, fermentation, food processing, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, or related industries.Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, ABB, or similar PLC platforms.Experience with HMI and SCADA software such as FactoryTalk, AVEVA InTouch, Wonderware, Ignition, or comparable systems.Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, and related technologies.Familiarity with operational technology (OT) cybersecurity principles and best practices.Experience with manufacturing data collection systems, process historians, SQL databases, dashboards, or analytics platforms.Experience supporting equipment commissioning, startup, and validation activities.Technical SkillsPLC programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization.HMI and SCADA development, alarm management, and operator interface design.Industrial instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting.Process control strategy development and implementation.Root cause analysis and corrective action execution.Preventive and predictive maintenance of automation systems.Industrial networking and communication protocols.Manufacturing data collection, reporting, and process analytics.